-Shaivya Pathak & Anjali Tyagi
The Interfaith Conclave, organized by GPF India, served as a remarkable initiative fostering interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration. Held at the India International Annexe Building, the conclave marked the beginning of Interfaith Harmony Week, bringing together scholars, faith leaders, and youth activists to discuss the significance of religious harmony in today’s world. The event, spanning three days, explored key themes of social cohesion, shared values, and compassion-driven leadership.
The conclave commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of GPF India, who emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving interfaith unity. He quoted the ancient wisdom, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), reinforcing that unity must go beyond words and be translated into tangible actions. The keynote address was delivered by Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, National Convener of the Sarva Dharma Sansad, who underscored the importance of listening to diverse faith perspectives and building universal values of brotherhood. He proposed a national and international movement to unite faith leaders and ignite a collective effort for interfaith unity, highlighting India’s historical role in promoting religious harmony since Swami Vivekananda’s speech at the 1893 Parliament of Religions. Mr. Shrikrishna G. Kulkarni, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Calcutta, provided insights into India’s deep-rooted pluralistic culture, stressing that division weakens national unity. His address set the stage for a broader discussion on the need for practical approaches to interfaith cooperation.
The first panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Anjali Tyagi, focused on "Social Cohesion Through Interfaith Dialogue." The esteemed panelists included Bhikkhu Sanghasena, President of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre; Firoz A. Naeem, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Delhi; Dr. Fr. Rajakumar Joseph S.J., Principal of Vidya Jyoti College of Theology; and H.H. Acharya Satyendra Narayan, President of the Confederation of World Religions. The discussion explored the rising polarization in society and the necessity of moving beyond tolerance to genuine collaboration. Firoz A. Naeem emphasized restoring faith to counter social conflicts, while Bhikkhu Sanghasena highlighted that faith is a personal journey rather than a tool for division. Dr. Rajakumar Joseph S.J. reinforced the idea of humanity as one family, and Acharya Satyendra Narayan called for the revival of the World Parliament of Religions to address modern challenges.
The second panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Shaivya Pathak, centered on "Shared Values, Oneness & Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." Panelists included Marzaban Zaiwala, representative of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman; Swami Sarvalokananda Ji, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi; Prof. Shashi Bala, Indologist, Bhavan’s KM Munshi Centre for Indology; and Dr. M.D. Thomas, Founder of the Institute of Harmony and Peace Studies. This session examined the shared ethical and moral principles across faiths. Marzaban Zaiwala emphasized unity through common values, while Prof. Shashi Bala advocated for compiling sacred texts to preserve interfaith wisdom for future generations. Swami Sarvalokananda Ji urged the daily practice of universal values, and Dr. M.D. Thomas called for embracing spirituality as a unifying force.
The second day was hosted at the GPF India office in Paryavaran Complex, Saket, focusing on empowering young change-makers. The session began with an introduction by Ms. Shaivya Pathak, followed by an ice-breaking activity led by Ms. Priya Raghav, where participants wrote one anonymous statement about a faith, fostering curiosity and shared learning. The main highlight was the workshop on “Skills for Interfaith Dialogue” conducted by Ms. Anjali Tyagi, equipping participants with practical communication strategies to bridge faith-based differences. Ms. Hema Chakraborty introduced the One Korea Global Campaign, highlighting global peace initiatives. A youth-led roundtable discussion on “Challenges and Solutions for Peacebuilding in a Multifaith Society,” facilitated by Ms. Shaivya and Ms. Anjali, encouraged young leaders to explore the role of faith in conflict resolution. The day concluded with an inspiring address by Dr. Markandey Rai, motivating youth to become proactive interfaith ambassadors.
The third day marked the celebration of Mahakaruna Diwas 2025 at the India International Centre, in collaboration with Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC, Ladakh), International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment, Global Peace Foundation (GPF-India), and Mahakaruna Foundation, New Delhi. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the launch of Mahakaruna – A Holistic Movement for Global Peace Through Compassion in Action, co-authored by Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi and Bhikkhu Sanghasena. Prominent speakers, including Dr. Kiran Bedi, Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, and Dr. Markandey Rai, addressed pressing global issues, particularly the urgent need for compassion-driven leadership. Dr. Bedi commended Bhikkhu Sanghasena’s humanitarian initiatives and strongly advocated for his nomination to the Rajya Sabha. Dr. Markandey Rai called for United Nations recognition of Mahakaruna Diwas and proposed the establishment of Mahakaruna University as a global center for compassion-based education.
Bhikkhu Sanghasena delivered a thought-provoking address on integrating spirituality into governance and education, warning against the misuse of technology in the absence of compassion. He advocated for the introduction of Mahakaruna in school curriculums, ensuring future generations imbibe the principles of empathy and non-violence. The conference featured insightful deliberations from Prof. P.B. Sharma, Acharya Satyendra Narayan, Dr. Anthony Raju, Dr. Prem Singh Dhingra, and Dr. Biju Pillai, reinforcing the belief that compassion should be embedded in education, healthcare, and policymaking.
The conclave successfully cultivated an environment of mutual learning and collaboration, reinforcing interfaith unity. Participants gained profound insights into various religious traditions, equipping them with the skills necessary for peacebuilding. The event strengthened interfaith collaboration among scholars, activists, and faith leaders, developing Mahakaruna University as a hub for education rooted in compassion. Advocates called for Mahakaruna Diwas to be recognized by the UN and encouraged youth-led interfaith initiatives to sustain the movement. The conclave concluded with a shared commitment to promote Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam through education, policy, and community engagement, ensuring that interfaith dialogue evolves from discussions into impactful action. The dignitaries, faith leaders, and attendees reaffirmed that compassion and unity must serve as the foundation for a peaceful and inclusive world.
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